Southern Water has confirmed it will delay controversial plans to close Embankment Road in Bembridge during the run-up to Christmas, with the proposed sewer repairs now postponed until 2026.
The U-turn comes just days after strong objections were raised by local residents, business owners, and Isle of Wight East MP Joe Robertson, who criticised the utility company for scheduling non-urgent works during one of the busiest times of the year for the village.
Originally set to take place between 1st-21st December, the planned closure of Embankment Road – 1 of only 2 main routes into Bembridge – sparked concern over the potential disruption to festive trade and everyday travel.
Southern Water has now acknowledged the feedback and announced the deferral of the works.
In a statement, the company has said:
“To avoid disruption and support local businesses, we’ve decided to delay the work.
“Once we become aware of a new timetable for the works to begin, we will provide the public with a four-week notice period.”
The move has been welcomed by locals, who had expressed frustration over the lack of prior consultation and the short notice initially given.
Joe Robertson had labelled the plans ‘unexplainable’ and called for either a complete delay or an accelerated timetable that would avoid the peak festive season.
Further updates will be provided by Southern Water once a revised schedule is confirmed.
[…] SOUTHERN WATER DELAYS BEMBRIDGE ROAD CLOSURE PLANS UNTIL AT LEAST 2026 […]
A sensible idea for once.